2011 Seat Alhambra warning light

151
Seats and storage compartments
Emptying the ashtray
● Remove the ashtray from the cup holder or lining of the door by pulling
it up w
ards.
● After emptying the ashtray, insert it from above into the cup holder or
door lining. 
Cig

arette lighter Fig. 118 Front centre
con
so

le: lighter.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there may be a lighter to the front of
the centre c
onsole ⇒ fig. 118 or in the compartment to the front of the cen-
tre console.
● Push the button on the cigarette lighter inwards with the ignition on
⇒ fig. 118.
● Wait for the cigarette lighter to pop out slightly.
● Pull out the cigarette lighter and light the cigarette on the glowing coil
⇒  .
● Replace the cigarette lighter in its insert. WARNING
Undue use of the cigarette lighter may cause a fire or burns and other se-
rious injurie

s.
● The cigarette lighter must only be used to light cigarettes or similar.
● Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. The cigarette lighter
can be used when the ignition i
s switched on. Note
The cigarette lighter can also be used with the 12 Volt socket ⇒ pag
e 151.
Sockets Intr oduction Electrical equipment can be connected to the sockets in the vehicle.
Connect
ed equipment

must be in perfect condition and show no signs of
faults.
Additional information and warnings:
● Cigarette lighter
⇒ page 150
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

154
Seats and storage compartments LED on the socket
⇒ fig. 120Steady green light: The child safety device is unlocked. The
sock
et
can now be used. Flashing red light: There is some kind of fault (e.g. discon-
nection due to e
x

cess current or tempera-
ture). Heat protection
The 230 V
o

lt Euro power connector converter switches off automatically
when a certain temperature is exceeded. This disconnect prevents overheat-
ing in the event of an increase in power consumption of the connected ap-
pliance and where the atmospheric temperature is too high. The converter
will switch on again automatically after it has cooled down. Appliances that
are switched on and connected to the socket will start up again. Therefore,
switch off all electrical appliances connected to the socket when the current
converter switches off due to overheating. WARNING
High voltage in the electrical installation!
● Liquids must not be spilt over the socket.
● Do not plug adapters or extension cords into the 230 Volt Euro power
connect or

. Otherwise, the built-in child safety device will switch off and
the connector will become live.
● Do not plug current conductors such as a knitting needle into the 230
Volt
Euro power connector. CAUTION
● Always follow the operating instructions for the appliances to be con-
nect ed!
● Nev

er exceed the maximum power rating as this could damage the vehi-
cle's
general electrical system. ●
12 volt socket:
– Only

use accessories with approved electromagnetic compatibility ac-
cordin
g to current regulations.
– Never power the socket.
● 230 Volt Euro socket:
– Do not hang appliances or plugs that are too heavy (e.g. a transform-
er) from the sock
et.
– Do not connect lamps which contain a neon tube.
– Only plug appliances with a voltage that matches the socket voltage
into the sock
et.
– In the event of consumers with a high start-up current, surge protec-
tion prevents
them from switching on. In this case, unplug the consumer
and try plugging it back in after around 10 seconds. Note
● Some app li
ances may not work properly in the 230 Volt Euro power con-
nector due to a lack of power (Watts).
● The 230 Watt Euro power connector can be modified for 115 Watt appli-
ances
and vice versa. Consult a specialist shop for advice on accessories to
adapt the connector. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 

159
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning Control
butt on Additional information. Climatic
⇒ fig. 121; Climatr onic
⇒ fig. 122.  Climatronic: tran
sf
erring the driver's seat temperature set-
tings to the other seats. If the  button is not lit up, the set
temper at
ure in the driver's seat will also apply to the other
seats.
Press the button or the temperature control for the front pas-
senger's seat or the rear seats to set them to a different tem-
perature. The button lights with an indicator.
Vehicles with auxiliary heating: observe the description of the AUTO button.
AUTO Automatic temperature, fan, and air distribution control.
WARNING
Never turn off the air fan for a long time or the air in the passenger com-
par tment

will not be refreshed.
● Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver and passen-
ger conc
entration possibly resulting in a serious accident. Note
● Not all Climatronic buttons are operational in REAR mode.
● The REAR button is locked in defrost mode.
Rear operation Fig. 123 Details of the
re
ar oper

ation. Rotary
contr o

l
⇒ fig. 123 Description
A
Temperature selector
B
Air flow regulator 
Climate control user instructions The cooling system only works when the engine is running and fan is
swit
c

hed on.
The climate control system operates most effectively with the windows and
the sliding panoramic roof closed. However, if the vehicle has heated up af-
ter standing in the sun for some time, the air inside can be cooled more
quickly by opening the windows briefly. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

162
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
Switching air recirculation mode on and off manually 
Swit c
hing on: press the corresponding button until the light under the sym-
bol  comes on.
Switching off: press the button until no indicator remains lit.
Automatic air recirculation mode 
Fresh air enters the vehicle interior in position . If the system detects a
high concentration of hazardous substances in the ambient air, air recircu-
lation mode is switched on automatically. When the level of impurities
drops to within a normal range, recirculation mode is switched off.
The system is unable to detect unpleasant smells.
Air recirculation mode is not automatically switched on in the following ca-
ses of outside temperatures and conditions:
● The cooling system is switched on (the AC button is lit up) and the out-
side t emper

ature is below +3°C (+38°F).
● The cooling system and the windscreen wipers are switched off and the
outside temper
ature is below +10°C (+50°F).
● The cooling system is switched on, the outside temperature is below
+15°C (+59°F) and the wind
screen wipers are switched on.
Switching the automatic air recirculation mode on and off
Switching on: press the   button until the light under the symbol

come s

on.
Switching off: press the   button until no button remains lit.
Swit c

hing the automatic air recirculation mode off temporarily
● Press the   button once to temporarily switch to manual air recircula-
tion mode in the event of

unpleasant smells from outside. The control light
under the symbol  comes on.
● After more than two seconds, press the 
 button again to restart au-
tom atic

air recirculation. The control light under the symbol  comes on. WARNING
Stuffy or used air will increase fatigue and reduce driver concentration
pos s

ibly resulting in a serious accident.
● Never use recirculation mode for long periods as it does not refresh
the air inside the
vehicle.
● If the cooling mode is switched off and air recirculation mode switch-
ed on, the window
s can mist over very quickly, considerably limiting visi-
bility.
● Switch air recirculation mode off when it is not required. CAUTION
Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on in vehicles with a cli-
mat e c

ontrol system. The smoke taken in could lie on the cooling system va-
poriser and on the activated charcoal cartridge of the dust and pollen filter,
leading to a permanently unpleasant smell. Note
Air recirculation mode switches on to prevent exhaust gas from entering the
vehic l

e interior when it is in reverse and while the automatic windscreen
wash and wipe is working. 

163
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
Auxiliary heater* (additional heater) Introduction The auxiliary heater is powered by fuel from the vehicle's fuel tank and can
be used whi
l
e the vehicle is in motion and at a standstill. Select the mode
required (heat or fan) ⇒  page 165 on the instrument panel.
In winter, the auxiliary heater can be used in heat mode before switching on
the ignition to remove any ice, mist or snow from the windscreen (thin lay-
ers only).
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒  pag
e 62
● Refuelling ⇒  pag
e 264 WARNING
The auxiliary heater fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless and col-
ourle s

s toxic gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose conscious-
ness. It can also cause death.
● Never switch on the auxiliary heater or leave it running in places that
are enclo
sed or unventilated.
● Never program the independent heating system to be activated and
operated in c
losed, unventilated areas. WARNING
The components of the auxiliary heater exhaust system heat up a great
dea l

. This could cause a fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in cont
act with flammable materials (such as dried grass). CAUTION
Never place food, medicines or other heat-sensitive objects close to the air
vents. F ood, medic

ines and other heat-sensitive objects may be damaged
or made unsuitable for use by the air coming from the air vents. 
Switching the auxiliary heater on and off Switching the auxiliary heater on:

Manually using the instant on/off button. ⇒ page 157
ON
Manually using the remote control. ⇒ page 164
Automatically at the programmed and enabled on
time. ⇒ page 165
Switching the auxiliary heater off:
 Manually using the instant on/off button for the
clim
at

e control system. ⇒ page 157
OFF
Manually using the remote control. ⇒ page 164
Automatically after the programmed time. ⇒ page 165
Automatically when the light comes on
 (fuel r
e-
serve). ⇒ page 264
Automatically when the battery power drops to a
ver
y

low level. ⇒ page 288
Things to note
Aft
er sw

itching the auxiliary heater off, it continues to run for a short period
to completely burn any fuel remaining in the auxiliary heater. The exhaust
fumes are also extracted from the system. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

166
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning
Checking programming
If the timer h
as been switched on after switching the ignition off, the instant
on button  will remain lit for around ten seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating system to be activated and oper-
ated in c lo

sed, unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater fumes contain
carbon dioxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death. 
Operating instructions The auxiliary heater exhaust system located below the vehicle must be kept
cl
e

ar of snow, mud and other objects. The exhaust fumes must not be ob-
structed in any way. The exhaust fumes generated by the auxiliary heater
are removed via an exhaust pipe fitted underneath the vehicle.
On heating the vehicle interior, depending on the outside temperature the
warm air is first directed at the windscreen and then to the rest of the pas-
senger compartment through the air vents. If the air vents are turned to-
wards the windows, for example, the form of air distribution may be affec-
ted.
Depending on the outside temperature, the temperature at which the auxili-
ary heater warms the vehicle interior may be somewhat higher if the heating
or climate control temperature control is set to maximum before switching
the heating on.
Depending on the engine, vehicles with auxiliary heater may be fitted with a
second battery in the luggage compartment that is responsible for powering
the auxiliary heater. Cases in which the auxiliary heater will not switch on
●
The auxiliary heater requires about as much power as the dipped head-
lights. If the batt
ery charge is low, the auxiliary heater will switch off auto-
matically or will not even switch on. This avoids problems when starting the
engine.
● The heater will switch just once each time. The timer will also have to be
switc
hed back on every time it is required. Note
● Noise will be heard while the auxiliary heater is running.
● When the air humidity i

s high and the outside temperature low, the
heating sy
stem may evaporate condensation from the auxiliary heater. In
this case, steam may be released from underneath the vehicle. This is com-
pletely normal and there is no need to suspect a fault!
● If the auxiliary heater runs several times over a prolonged period, the ve-
hicle b
attery may run flat. To re-charge the battery, drive the vehicle for a
long distance. In general: drive for as much time as the auxiliary heating
was working. 

167
Driving
Driving SteeringIntroduction The power steering is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of thi
s
steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the power steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 170
● V

ehicle battery ⇒ page 288
● T

ow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 340WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more diffic u

lt to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steerin
g may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel. Control and warning lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 (red) Power steering faulty. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible. 
(yel-
lo w) Power steering operation re-
duced. The steering system should be
chec
k

ed by a Technical Service
as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short distance,
the yellow warning light no lon-
ger comes on, it will not be nec-
essary to take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop. The vehicle battery was dis-
connect
ed and h

as been re-
connected. Drive for a short distance at 15 –
20 km/h.
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

168
Driving flashes Possible cause Solution
 (red) Fault in the steering column
electr
onic
lock. 
Do not drive on!
Seek pr
ofessional advice. 
(yel-
lo w) Steering column deviation. Gently turn the steering wheel to
and fro
. Steering wheel not unlocked
or lock
ed. Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then swit
c

h the ignition
back on. Check the messages
displayed on the instrument
panel at the same time.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after the
ignition has been switched on.
You should obtain professional
assistance. Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is
sw

itched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or m a

y cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. Information on the steering Steering column electronic lock
If the driv
er's

door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the steering
column electronic lock is activated via the ignition key or the sensor built
into the door handle.
Mechanical steering lock
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the ve-
hicle. Please engage steering lock Unlocking the steering
Parking the vehicle
⇒ page 183. Turn the steering wheel slightly to
rel
e

ase the steering lock. Remove the key from the ignition. Insert the key in the ignition lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you he
ar the s

teering lock. Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and swit
c
h on the ignition. Electromechanical power steering
With the po
w

er steering system, the assisted steering function automatical-
ly adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and the wheel
turning angle. The power steering only works when the engine is running.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than nor-
mal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all.
Counter steering assistance system
The counter steering assistance system helps the driver in critical situa-
tions. Additional steering power helps the driver when counter steering. 